Microbes : what they are, and the parts they play / [John Glaister].

  • John Glaister
Date:
[1896?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Microbes : what they are, and the parts they play / [John Glaister]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    infective material is nothing more nor less than the microbes or spores or both ot‘ the disease which are thrown from the body of the infected person by one or more channels. And this is true of each infectious disease. By reason of the infinitesimally small size and light character of these microbes, it is not difficult to comprehend how they may be wafted about by currents of air or become attached to the clothing of the person. Hence infective matter essentially consists of minute particles which obey the law of gravity. They are therefore found most plentifully near the surface of the ground. The length of time during which infective material is capable of doing mischief after it has left the body of the infectious person is largely determined by its environment. Abundance of fresh air and sunlight quickly destroy it; absence of these tend to prolong its virulency. Hence it may well be termed “ the plague that walketh in darkness.” Enough has already been said regarding the omni- presence of these micro-organisms. From their effects upon man they have been divided into those that are harmless and those that harmful or pathogenic, i.e., disease-pro- ducing. The media by which they are conveyed to man, and by which they are apt to find entrance into his body, apart from direct wounding of the surfaces of the body, are air, water, and food. Air.—The number of micro-organisms present at any given time in any given atmosphere depends upon (1) the presence or absence of animal life, man included ; and (2) certain conditions of weather. They are more plentiful in the air of an inhabited place than in the air of the country, and when we get ten miles out at sea the number falls nearly to zero. The more populous the place the more plentiful the microbes, hence the necessity for the provi- sion of means whereby abundant circulation of air may be produced. Well-ventilated houses, wide streets, open spaices —elbow-room generally—act as wholesome deterrents of their harmful results. In dry, dull weather they are more plentiful in the air of the town than in bright, sunny, or wet weather. While an abundant rain-fall may be olqec-
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